During the time of this pattern (possibly as you are still reading this), we are all mostly staying at home, and I was determined to use my stash. I found some excellent Cascade Pima Cotton Yarn and had enough to create a two-color summer top.
But as usual, my stash surprised me with a second option, the Fleece Artist Merino 3/6; only I had held onto this yarn for so long it is currently discontinued. I almost didn’t use it, but then I thought this was the perfect opportunity to talk about yarn substitutes and using whatever you have that will work. Take a chance! I also think the Furls Whims DK yarn would be perfect for this! As long as you can match gauge, then you can knit away. See what is in your stash that will work for this pattern.
The weather is starting to warm up so now is the time to start those fun summer garments. And this one is a relaxing easy knit, perfect for practicing those lazy summer vibes while soaking up some sun.
ABOUT OUR DESIGNER
Hello fellow artist! I feel we are all born artists an nourish our talents through our entire lives. I've been fortunate enough to have found a home in the fiber arts community where my passions for crochet and knit can grow. I'm a Florida girl for the past decade, but before that I lived in the Rocky Mountains. While I love nature and hiking, I've grown extrememly fond of the sunny beaches. I speak GIF and sarcasm fluently and try to find humor in the tougher moments of life. I find it's important to have optimism adn laughter whenever possible. And if I'm really struggling with stress I turn to my yarn. Working with beautiful colors and textures is therapy and creates calmness. I hope you enjoy following along with me as we create a little piece of beautiful in our corners of the world.
Cheers! Briana K
Follow Briana
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SUPPLIES
Yarn
Cascade Pima Cotton in colorways
China Pink & Pink Sapphire
Also shown in: Fleece Artist Merino 3/6 in colorway Peacock (bio pic)
Yardage
XS: 455 yards, 3 skeins
S: 502 yards, 3 skeins
M: 625 yards, 3 skeins
L: 724 yards, 4 skeins
1X: 827 yards, 4 skeins
2X: 959 yards, 5 skeins
3X: 1,100 yards 5 skeins
Other Materials
- Size 4 (3.5 mm) circular needles or size to obtain gauge, minimum 24 inch cords
- Removable stitch markers if needed
- Yarn needle to weave in ends
- Scissors
PATTERN DETAILS
Measurements
Finished Bust Sizes (includes ease)
XS: 32.5” (83 cm)
S: 35” (88 cm)
M: 40” (102 cm)
L: 44” (112 cm)
1X: 49” (125 cm)
2X: 51.5 “ (131 cm)
3X: 56.5 (144 cm)
Skill level
Advanced Beginner
Gauge
20 sts and 26 rows = 4x4” (10 cm)
in Stockinette Stitch (Knit Stitch)
Abbreviations
p – purl
k - knit
k2tog-knit two together
sl1-k2tog-psso (defined in notes)
st(s) - stitch(es)
ssk - slip slip knit
RS - Right Side
WS - Wrong Side
Notes
- This pattern is worked from the bottom to top in two rectangle pieces and then seamed together at the sides and top shoulders. Create two rectangle pieces for front and back.
Special Stitches
ssk: slip the next 2 stitches, one at a time, as if to knit, to the right needle. Insert the left needle into the fronts of these two stitches and knit them together. One stitch decreased and leans to the left.
sl1-k2tog-psso: slip one stitch, knit-wise, from the left hand to the right-hand needle. Knit the next two stitches on the left-hand needle together (k2tog). Using the left-hand needle tip, lift the slipped stitch up and over the k2tog, and let it fall off the right hand needle tip. Two stitches are decreased.
Alternating Cable Cast On for Ribbing: https://brianakdesigns.com/how-to-knit-cast-on/
Mattress Seam: https://brianakdesigns.com/how-to-do-the-knit-mattress-seam/
Are you a crocheter? Don't worry, we've got you covered with this free Summer Crochet Top.
PART ONE
I’m so excited to be this month’s designer and I can’t wait to get to know you. Hang out with me on social media and use the hashtag #brianakdesigns or #furlskal as you work through your project. I will be anxiously waiting to see your progress!
PART TWO
Who is enjoying the sunshine? Comment on this post where you are from and what your weather is like. We tend to have a lot of afternoon showers in Florida this time of year, but our mornings are hot. And don’t get me started with the humidity lol.
But I’m still enjoying the yarn on the patio no matter the weather and my children are my sidekicks. I love how knitting can roll along with you no matter the activity. I’ve even knitted in the pool before and floated my yarn right alongside me. I guess the splashing was a little disruptive, but worth a try, right?
Your knit top body is complete this week and you are ready to jump into the feature of this pattern, the lacework. It’s super simple and pretty! With these eight rows, the lace repeat portion will work up in no time. Be sure to look back at the notes for any refreshers on the stitches. And keep those tags coming! I am loving seeing your projects all over social media. Use the hashtag #brianakdesigns or #furlskal so I give your hard work all those hearts.
PART THREE
Now that you’ve got the hang of it, it’s time to work the second panel. And it’s simply repeating part 1 and part 2. Once you’ve got the second panel worked up it’s time to sew them together and enjoy a glass of lemonade on the patio wearing your beautiful new top.
I know I enjoyed this top so much I made a second. This type of top is great for a gift too. Plan way ahead for the holidays and whip one up for someone who appreciates hand made. Or the next time there is yarn on clearance, now you have a reason to buy it up without feeling guilty. I know my new summer garments are going to get a lot of use and I’ll take pride in the fact they were made with my own two hands.
I am so honored to have been hosted on the Furls KAL this month. I don’t want this to end! We’ve had so much fun this cannot be good-bye. Plus, I think you are pretty incredible, and I want to hang out with you more. Come on over and join the newsletter, plus receive a freebie.
And let’s keep snapping pics of your KAL Summer Shirt and sharing it on social media using the hashtag #brianakdesigns or #furlskal
Finishing:
Block both front and back pieces to make seaming easier. Seriously, do not skip this one. Blocking will make all the difference in not only the look but make seaming so much easier.
Using the schematic measurements from the notes and the mattress seam, line up each side and seam, leaving the opening for the arms. And then line up the shoulders of Front and Back, seam the shoulders on each side, leaving an opening for the neck. And that’s it! It was that easy. You should throw this on and go strut around the neighborhood. I hope you enjoyed this KAL.
Cheers,
Briana K
